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Studies assessing the relationship between religiosity and sexual behaviors in youth are limited by their use of single‐aspect measures of religiosity, assumption of linearity, and focus on coital behaviors. This study assessed how multidimensional latent profiles of religiosity were associated both with sexual risk behaviors and noncoital sex. Data were gathered using a national sample of emerging adults in Croatia (N = 1,210; Mage = 21.74, 48.0 percent female). Latent profile analysis provided a three‐profile model as the most robust solution, differentiating among the low, moderate, and high religiosity groups. The gradient pattern (differences among all profiles) was observed only in the association between religiosity and the frequency of masturbation and experiencing oral sex. The relationship between religiosity and other sexual behaviors either was nonlinear or not found. Overall, religiosity was associated with a more limited sexual repertoire. Its protective effect in sexual risk taking was small but relevant for the most religious youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The beginning of college marks a decline in physical activity and racial/ethnic minorities have disproportionately lower rates of physical activity. This study examined the association between perceived stress and physical activity among an ethnically diverse sample of college-attending young adults. Participants: 2,396 students (36% male, 64% female) from a large public university. Methods: Cross-sectional survey administered across campus departments and general education courses. Results: Gender stratified multivariate analyses showed for both males and females, higher perceived stress was associated with less frequency of physical activity the past six months. Compared to non-Hispanic white females, Hispanic/Latina females and Asian/Pacific Islander females reported significantly less frequency of vigorous/moderate and strengthening/toning activities. There were no race/ethnic differences among males. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to create targeted interventions for college men and women and among racial/ethnic subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the link between parent-emerging adult relationship quality and emerging adult physical health outcomes. In addition, mediators and moderators of these links were explored. The sample consisted of 869 college students (ages 18–25 years) who completed online anonymous surveys. Results indicated that high levels of parent-emerging adult openness were significantly related to low levels of emerging adult health problems. In addition, parental involvement was negatively and significantly related to emerging adult body mass index and health problems. Mediation analyses conducted through structural equation modeling demonstrated that parent-emerging adult relationship quality was indirectly (but not directly) related to youth health outcomes via emerging adult internalizing symptoms (but not via emotion regulation). Moreover, there was no evidence for significant gender differences, therefore the overall pattern of findings were similar for women and men. Implications for interventions focusing on parent-emerging adult relationships and emotion regulation were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to understand how and why emerging adults come into contact with food media messages, and what they perceive as positive and negative outcomes related to food literacy. Seven focus groups, stratified by gender and socio-economic status, with 37 emerging adults aged between 18 and 25 were conducted. Photovoice was used to reflect on participants' real-life food media experiences. Findings reveal that food media consumption is a combination of actively searching and incidentally encountering. The results suggest that food media messages attract emerging adults' attention by bringing content in an entertaining, engaging, and appealing way, and featuring popular food personalities. Finally, food media messages were perceived to both enhance and distort food literacy. The results show how food media messages for food literacy interventions can be designed in order to attract emerging adults' attention and fulfill their specific needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how Italian emerging adults coped during COVID-19 from a Positive Youth Development framework. Five hundred sixty-five 18- to 29-year-olds completed surveys measuring personal (cognitive reappraisal, optimism), ecological (support and emotional connection with community) assets, and adaptation outcomes (anxiety and future societal expectations) during (T1) and after (T2) lockdown. Utilizing a person-centered approach, four profiles emerged at T1: promotive (high personal/ecological assets), personal (high personal/low ecological), contextual (low personal/high ecological), vulnerable (low on both). The promotive profile had the highest future societal expectations. The promotive/personal/contextual profiles reported the lowest anxiety at T2. Employing a variable-centered approach, only support and emotional connection with the community at T1 linked to reduced anxiety at T2; personal/ecological assets at T1 were not related to future societal expectations at T2. Findings supported PYD assumptions, indicating alignment of personal/ecological assets aids adaptation. We discuss implications for supporting young adults during crises like pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research on parent‒child relationships has focused more extensively on younger, school-aged children and adolescents, with mothers receiving more attention than fathers. In addition, there has been a greater focus on problematic parenting (e.g., helicopter parenting) and less research on supportive forms of parenting that can promote positive outcomes during emerging adulthood. The current study utilized the framework of self-determination theory to examine the association between positive parenting and well-being in a sample of emerging adults. Specifically, we examined the associations between positive maternal and paternal parenting approaches and emerging adults' basic psychological needs and well-being, with a focus on emerging adults of diverse ethnicities. Our primary hypotheses were that positive parenting would have significant: (a) direct associations with emerging adults' basic psychological needs and (b) indirect associations with emerging adults' well-being through their basic psychological needs. The participants were 1209 emerging adults aged 18–22 years (M = 19.27; SD = 1.53). The results revealed that parenting had significant positive direct effects on emerging adults' basic psychological needs and indirect associations with their well-being. These findings suggest that positive parenting continues to play an important role in emerging adulthood and highlight the need to work with emerging adults and their parents to establish strategies to support positive parenting that meet psychological needs during this time of life. Highlights: Mothers and fathers make significant and unique contributions to emerging adults' basic psychological needs. Among a diverse sample of emerging adults in North America, the satisfaction of emerging adults' basic psychological needs, including the positive contributions of both mothers and fathers, is important to their well-being and satisfaction with life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental loss at any age is a life transition that brings with it unprecedented changes. Encountering this loss in emerging adulthood can be especially challenging because of the many consequences characteristic of this stage of life. Existing research has excluded the experiences of young people grieving the death of a parent. Thus, the present study attempts to bridge this gap by focusing on the experiences of emerging adults dealing with parental loss with an emphasis on their journeys of coping with the loss, and how grief unfolded in a social context. In this exploratory research, four participants in the age range of 18–28 years were interviewed, and the data were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes emerged from the data, namely, early days following the loss, changing relational realities, and coping in the context of the other. Limitations and implications of the study have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging adulthood (ages 18–25 years) is a period of increased vulnerability for mental health challenges. A potential protective factor is self-compassion, which is thought to promote better mental health through healthier emotion regulation capacities. However, longitudinal research on the associations among self-compassion, emotion regulation, and mental health is lacking. To address these gaps, a multi-wave within-person approach was used in this study. Participants included emerging adults (N = 1125, M age = 17.96 years) studying at a Canadian university. Random-intercept cross-lagged modelling demonstrated that within-person increases in common humanity predicted fewer depressive symptoms. Conversely, within-person increases in emotion regulation difficulties predicted more depressive symptoms over time, and vice versa. A mediation path from self-kindness to depressive symptoms via common humanity was also evident. Findings underscore the need for a more comprehensive examination of the dynamic interplay among self-compassion, emotion regulation, and mental health concerns while considering the multifaceted nature of self-compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friendship-related stress is an understudied factor that may explain variation in coping-motivated and socially-motivated drinking among emerging adults. This study examined chronic and episodic friendship stress as predictors of drinking levels and motivations among emerging adults transitioning to post-college life. College drinkers reported drinking motives and alcohol consumption daily for 30 days using an Internet-based diary in college and five years later (N = 897, 54.2% women, Mage = 24.6 at follow-up, 86.0% White). Post-college, participants completed by phone the UCLA-Life Stress Interview assessing chronic and episodic friendship/social life stress. Chronic friendship/social life stress was positively correlated with mean levels of post-college drinking-to-cope motivation and was negatively related to post-college heavy drinking and social drinking motivation. Emerging adults experiencing friendship stress are more likely to use alcohol as a coping mechanism, elevating their risk for alcohol-related problems. Those with low friendship stress may require public health interventions around the risks of heavy drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the relation between climate anxiety, threat perceptions for future generations, and childbearing motivations in childless emerging adults. Using a sample of 1211 Swiss college students aged 18–25, the study explores if threat perceptions mediate the relationship between climate anxiety and childbearing motivations. Results from structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that climate anxiety significantly predicted greater perceptions of threat, which in turn related to less positive childbearing motivations and more negative childbearing motivations. Specifically, the relationship between climate anxiety and childbearing motivations was partly to fully explained by threat perceptions, suggesting that worries about the future environment could be an important factor in emerging adults' complex reproductive considerations. No gender moderation was found. These findings underscore the need for policy interventions that provide psychological support and targeted educational resources to assist young adults in navigating the complex interplay between climate anxiety, threat perceptions, and their decisions regarding childbearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the prevalence of self-reported motivations and barriers to helping intoxicated peers among emerging adults (N = 377; M age = 18.64; 75% women, 88% White) attending a Southeastern university and whether motivations and barriers differed by age, gender, race, and class standing. Respondents aged 19–24 were more likely to endorse the motivation item "Because it was your "turn" to be the helper/designated driver (DD) that night" than eighteen-year-olds. Race differences were also reported for the motivation item, "Because the person was your friend", where White participants were more likely to endorse this item than non-White participants. Men also reported more Burden/Hassles-related barriers than did women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a common health issue among college students, and its prevalence has been increasing in recent years. Numerous studies have indicated that experiences of childhood abuse may be a contributing factor to the development of depression. However, the underlying mechanism in this relationship remains unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of regulatory emotional self-efficacy in the relationship between childhood abuse and depression and to identify the moderating effect of subjective social status. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1105 college students from several universities in Sichuan Province, China. A survey questionnaire was employed to collect information on childhood abuse, subjective social status, regulatory emotional self-efficacy, and depression. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between childhood abuse and depression. The bootstrap method was employed to test the mediating effect of regulatory emotional self-efficacy and the moderating effect of subjective social status. The results showed that childhood abuse was significantly positively correlated with depression (p < 0.001), regulatory emotional self-efficacy mediated the relationship between childhood abuse and depression, and subjective social status moderated the mediating path. Childhood abuse could affect depression by reducing subjective social status and regulatory emotional self-efficacy. These findings indicated that enhancing regulatory emotional self-efficacy and subjective social status may prevent or reduce depressive symptoms in college students, especially in those with left-behind experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is extensive research on the adulthood criteria endorsed by emerging adults, there is very limited evidence on the comparison between emerging adults and their parents regarding this issue. Moreover, in these comparison studies, only quantitative methodology was used. Therefore, the present study uses a mixed-method design to investigate similarities and differences in the prevalence of the endorsed adulthood criteria between emerging adults and their parents, between male and female emerging adults, and between fathers and mothers. Participants were 251 emerging adult students, aged 18.0 to 25.9 (M = 19.9; 50.2% females), and 341 parents of these emerging adults, aged 33.6 to 61.9 (M = 50.4; 58.4% mothers). They completed the Markers of Adulthood Scale and named the three criteria that they considered most important for a person to be considered an adult. An inductive-deductive coding scheme was used. The analyses exhibited a high consensus between emerging adults and their parents in the endorsement of adulthood criteria. Only criteria related to Independence and to the Self were reported more frequently by emerging adults than their parents. A strong agreement between genders in both age groups was also found. The contribution of this study is twofold. First, it supports the idea that in Greece adulthood is a construct that is largely shared by emerging adults and their parents. Second, it illustrates how a mixed-method design can complement quantitative studies and extend their findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is surprising how little we know about the relationships that matter to emerging adults, and we propose research to bridge that gap. First, we will ask emerging adults to generate a list of the individuals who matter. The list will be submitted via open‐ended text that we will code for relationship type. Our first aim is to gain information about the frequency and diversity of relationships that matter to emerging adults. We hypothesise that participants who list more relationships will have better well‐being and less loneliness. Second, we will use an adapted version of the Mattering Scale to assess how much specific relationships matter to participants by asking them to focus on five common close relationships (i.e., mother figures, father figures, romantic partners, best friends and closest‐in‐age sibling). For each relationship that exists for the participant, how much each relationship matters will be measured. We hypothesise that failing to mention a specific relationship in the open‐ended portion of the study will be related to lower perceived mattering of that relationship when participants report on mattering. Finally, we hypothesise that when specified relationships matter more to an individual, they will have less loneliness and better well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on exposure to stressors and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in daily life has been lacking, particularly among emerging adults (aged 18–25 years). The aim of this study was to determine whether daily stressors predicted same-day and next-day NSSI thoughts and engagement, and whether emotion dysregulation moderated this relation. Participants included 160 emerging adults (83% female, Mage = 19.75, SD = 1.8, 44% White, 22% East Asian, 11% South Asian, and 23% other) who completed a baseline assessment and 14 days of daily diary entries which resulted in 1982 daily assessments (median compliance = 86%; IQR = 12–14). It was found that daily stressors significantly predicted same-day, but not next-day, NSSI thoughts and engagement and this relation was more pronounced for individuals with greater emotion dysregulation. The present study provides new insight into when individuals may be most at risk for NSSI, as well as which individuals may be most vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community violence exposure (CVE) and its health impact is a public health crisis. Violent crime has steadily increased over recent years and has disproportionately affected Black communities. Emerging adulthood (18–29 years old) is a vulnerable period of development and Black emerging adults may be at increased risk for negative physical and mental health consequences from CVE. This integrative review was conducted to evaluate available evidence on health outcomes in Black emerging adults exposed to CVE. This review appraised published studies (2012–2022) addressing physical and mental health outcomes of Black emerging adults with CVE. Articles were identified using structured search terms in several databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science), a gray literature search, and citation mining. A total of 177 studies were identified for screening and 19 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The majority of studies found a significant positive association between CVE and adverse mental (n = 12) and physical (n = 7) health outcomes. CVE appears to have both mental and physical health consequences for Black emerging adults. Given that violent crime disproportionately increased in Black communities and Black people are more likely to develop chronic health conditions at younger ages, more work is needed to elucidate the relationship between CVE and health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media plays a dominant role in emerging adults' lives, with evidence showing that it can contribute to elevated levels of psychological distress. However, existing findings are contradictory, insofar as the connection between social media use (SMU) and psychological distress remains unclear. To gain a better insight into the above relationship, we focused on different styles of engagement with social media (active social, active non-social, and passive) and examined whether their impact on depression, anxiety and stress symptoms is mediated by loneliness. Data were collected via an online survey from 288 emerging adults in the UK. It was found that increased passive SMU was associated with higher anxiety, depression and stress symptoms; loneliness was associated with both SMU and psychological distress, while increased active non-social media use was associated with decreased stress. However, loneliness showed significant mediation effects only on the relation between passive SMU and psychological distress. Limitations, future research directions and suggestions for practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study compared Chinese emerging adults and adults regarding the association between contamination fear, posttraumatic stress disorder post-COVID-19 and psychiatric comorbidity after controlling for demographic and trauma exposure variables. 1089 Chinese civilians (M = 382; F = 707) with a mean age of 26 years (M = 26.36, SD = 8.58) were recruited from different provinces in China via an online survey posted on mainstream Chinese social networking platforms. They completed a demographic page with questions on trauma exposure, the Vancouver Obsessional Compulsive Inventory, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 and the General Health Questionnaire-28. Results showed that 12.7%, 68.7% and 18.6% met criteria for full, partial and no PTSD, respectively. Emerging adults reported significantly lower levels of symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance, somatic problems, anxiety and fear of contamination than adults. In both emerging adults and adults, contamination fear was correlated with PTSD and psychiatric comorbidity. High educational attainment was significantly correlated with psychiatric comorbidity in emerging adults, but with PTSD in adults. Length of quarantine was correlated with psychiatric comorbidity only in adults. In conclusion, both emerging adults and adults developed varying levels of contamination fear, posttraumatic stress and general psychological symptoms following the outbreak of COVID-19. Emerging adults were more resilient than adults in coping with distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine the association of CRF and adiposity with cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome among emerging adults. Participants: 5681 (60.1% Men; 21 ± 1years) college students from a large university located in the northeast of the United States. Methods: Participants completed an objective health assessment that involved the assessment cardiometabolic risk factors, CRF, and adiposity. Data of 5681 students' (60.1% Men; 21 ± 1years) who had CRF, adiposity, all risk factors necessary to determine metabolic syndrome evaluated were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. Results: Poor CRF and elevated adiposity were associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome regardless of sex, with the association between adiposity and risk factors found to be stronger compared to CRF. Conclusions: Targeted and tailored screening and interventions are urgently needed to reduce adiposity and increase CRF to avoid serious short and long-term negative health outcomes in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adulthood is a complex social and cultural phenomenon. Although socially obvious, it is fluid in terms of its determinants and the time at which it occurs. The article attempts to answer the question what is it that emerging adults grow up to, and what is the goal of the process of growing up? The guiding objective was therefore to reconstruct a grounded theory of adulthood. For this purpose that qualitative research embracing semi-structured interviews was designed and carried out. The findings are locally embedded and aim to reconstruct the concept of adulthood prevailing in contemporary Polish culture, built on the experiences and opinions of Poles of different ages. The social construct of adulthood that emerges from our research constitutes the sum of economic independence, responsibility for oneself and for others, and emotional self-control. These features are also the opposite of the stereotypical image of childhood, as a time of dependence, carefreeness, and vulnerability. This means that growing up in our culture is a long-lasting process of transition between two extremes, but a process that only prepares one to a small degree for such a revolution in one's life, and this has its psychological and social consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Even though five to 11% of child-to-parent abuse (CPA) perpetrators are emerging adults (age 18–23 years), relevant risk factors underlying CPA in this group are understudied. Method: A multilevel meta-analysis was performed on nine studies (450 effect sizes, N = 1,043), comprising eight static (e.g., age and gender of perpetrator) and dynamic (e.g., substance abuse, financial problems) risk factors. Results: Emerging adults who fell victim of domestic violence, or had antisocial cognitions, authority problems, or empathy problems displayed CPA more often. Moderator analyses revealed that the relation between gender of perpetrator and CPA was moderated by gender of victim (p =.033) and CPA type (p =.021). Gender of victim (p <.001) also moderated the relationship between single-parent household and CPA. Finally, the relation between witness to DV and CPA was moderated by age (p =.007). Conclusions: This was the first multilevel meta-analysis focusing exclusively on CPA displayed by emerging adults. The results can be used as a basis for further research into relevant risk factors for CPA in this group and hopefully contribute to the development of health care interventions to reduce chances of CPA occurring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little research on group process for motivational interviewing‐based group interventions with young people. We examine how change talk, group climate and cohesion, and facilitator empathy among emerging adults experiencing homelessness affect their drinking outcomes. Methods: Data come from a clinical trial at three drop‐in centers serving emerging adults experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County and focus on those who received the intervention (n = 132). Participants completed baseline, 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up surveys. They were predominantly male and non‐white. Group sessions were digitally recorded and coded for percentage change talk (PCT), group climate and cohesion, and facilitator empathy. Results: Because baseline alcohol use was significantly higher at site 1 than sites 2 and 3, we examined associations separately by site. At 6 months, higher PCT was associated with fewer drinks per drinking day for sites 2 and 3, whereas higher PCT was associated with more drinks per drinking day for site 1. There were no effects of PCT at 12 months. Higher group cohesion scores were associated with fewer drinking days at 6 months; higher facilitator empathy was associated with fewer maximum drinks in a day at both 6 and 12 months. Group climate was not associated with drinking outcomes. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of measuring multiple factors in the group process to understand outcomes. What is "uttered" during group and what is observed provide different methods to evaluate the group process and allow us to better bridge the gap between research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims High-intensity drinking (HID) is a pattern of risky drinking defined as at least 8 drinks (for women) or 10 drinks (for men) in a single episode. Individuals engaged in HID may be at greater risk for consequences, necessitating tailored interventions. Herein, we report the feasibility and acceptability of a social media-delivered 8-week intervention for emerging adults with recent HID. Methods Using social media advertising, we recruited 102 emerging adults who reported past-month HID. Average age was 20.0 year-olds (SD = 2.0); 51.0% were male. Most identified as White (64.7%; 14.7% Black/African American, 13.7% multiracial) and 26.5% identified as Hispanic/Latinx. Participants were randomized to an 8-week intervention delivered via Snapchat by health coaches (N  = 50) or to a control condition (psychoeducational website referral; N  = 52). Follow-ups occurred at 2 and 4 months post-baseline. Results The intervention was acceptable (85.1% liked it/liked it a lot) and there were high follow-up rates. Participants rated coaches as supportive (91.5%) and respectful (93.6%). Descriptively, helpfulness ratings were higher for non-alcohol-related content (e.g. stress; 59.6% very/extremely helpful) than alcohol-related content (40.4% very/extremely helpful). Regarding engagement, 86.0% engaged approximately weekly and 59.6% indicated they saved intervention snaps. Descriptive data showed reductions over time in several measures of alcohol consumption and consequences as well as cannabis-impaired driving and mental health symptoms. Conclusions This 8-week social media intervention for HID was feasible and acceptable among emerging adults, supporting the benefit of future testing in a fully powered trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol-induced injury is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality. We investigated the relationship between impulsive personality and physical injury (e.g. falls, sports), and whether peak drinking quantity specifically, and/or risky behaviour more generally, mediates the relationship between impulsivity and injury in undergraduates. Method: We used data from the winter 2021 UniVenture survey with 1316 first- and second-year undergraduate students aged 18–25 years (79.5% female) from five Canadian Universities. Students completed an online survey regarding their demographics, personality, alcohol use, risky behaviours, and injury experiences. Impulsivity was measured with the substance use risk profile scale, past 30-day peak alcohol use with the quantity-frequency-peak Alcohol Use Index, general risky behaviour with the risky behaviour questionnaire, and past 6-month injury experience with the World Health Organization's (2017) injury measurement questionnaire. Results: Of 1316 total participants, 12.9% (n = 170) reported having sustained a physical injury in the past 6 months. Mean impulsivity, peak drinking quantity, and risky behaviour scores were significantly higher among those who reported vs. did not report injury. Impulsivity and peak drinking quantity, but not general risky behaviour, predicted injury in a multi-level generalized mixed model. Mediation analyses supported impulsivity as both a direct predictor of physical injury and an indirect predictor through increased peak drinking (both p <.05), but not through general risky behaviour. Conclusion: Results imply emerging adults with impulsive tendencies should be identified for selective injury prevention programs and suggest targeting their heavy drinking to decrease their risk for physical injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined how global stress and general stressors of daily life relate to emotional well-being and type 1 diabetes (T1D) outcomes and amplify the effects of diabetes stressors in emerging adults. Two-hundred and seven 18-19-year-olds with T1D (duration 8.47 years) completed the Perceived Stress Scale (global stress) and a daily diary assessing daily diabetes and general stressors, positive and negative affect, self-care behaviors, and blood glucose (BG). Multi-level analyses indicated that global stress and within-person daily general and diabetes stressors were associated with more negative and less positive affect. In addition, general stress (between-person) was associated with more negative affect. Global stress amplified the association between daily diabetes stressors and negative affect, with greater affect reactivity to stress for those experiencing higher global stress. Global stress and both within- and between-person diabetes stressors were associated with lower self-care and higher BG. Emerging adults' general stressors in their daily lives relate to poorer well-being beyond the experience of diabetes stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This one-year pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a multimedia campaign, Heart Healthy U (HHU), to increase awareness about the link between unhealthy behaviors and risk for heart disease among emerging adults on a college campus. This paper describes the implementation of HHU. Participants: The HHU campaign was implemented from the Fall of 2019 through Spring 2020 and during this time there were approximately 15,043 enrolled students at the south eastern U.S. college campus. Methods: The HHU campaign employed print (e.g., banners, posters, and yard signs) and electronic formats (e.g., email, Instagram). We designed the methods across three phases: (1) relationship building and formative research, (2) campaign development, and (3) the Heart Healthy U campaign launch. Results: The HHU encountered challenges when the novel coronavirus (COVID-19 or SARS-co-V2) interrupted campus life, however we relied on the electronic formats to reach students during the state-wide lockdown/quarantine mandates. In addition, there were two changes to the HHU health messages. First, we updated the health messages to illustrate that eating healthy and engaging in physical activity supports immune function. Next, we developed new health messages to address effects of physical isolation and anxiety by promoting psychological well-being during this historic public health crisis. Conclusions: We asked whether a multimedia campaign on a college campus could encourage emerging adults to consume fruits and vegetables and engage in physical activity according to the federally-recommended guidelines. It is essential that interventions intended to reach today's emerging adults be presented in formats that they use (e.g., social media platforms), supported by campus administrators, and endorsed by peer influencers. In conclusion, more intervention studies are needed to counter the unhealthy social norm behaviors common to college campus life that increase heart disease risk, particularly among marginalized populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using two waves of data from a multi-wave longitudinal survey of Hispanic origin young adults (n = 1,547), this study examined the empirical links between physical and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and perpetration, and two key social risk factors in emerging adulthood (high-risk sexual behavior and poor mental health). Respondents were recruited from the Los Angeles, CA area. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analyses. Overall, our analyses found that incidents of IPV at an earlier time point predicted experiencing IPV at a later time point in a similar fashion, indicating that IPV persisted over time. Additionally, this study found that physical and psychological IPV often co-occurred, irrespective of the direction of the violence (perpetration or victimization). Next, respondents who reported a greater number of lifetime sexual partners and poor mental health reported more physical IPV perpetration. Among the socio-demographics, male respondents were more likely to face IPV physical victimization but less likely to perpetrate this form of violence than their female counterparts. This study highlights the importance of examining the co-occurrence, bidirectionality, and persistence of IPV in understanding its dynamic mechanisms, advancing risk identification, and developing preventive measures to mitigate IPV risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) is increasingly recognized as a relevant aspect of family and relational diversity in the USA, but CNM-parenting is still perceived as a taboo topic. Pioneering research has only started to emerge and reveals persisting notions of regulation, discrimination, and stigmatization of CNM-parents. CNM-stigmatization is less prevalent among emerging adults, but it is unclear whether young adults' increasing acceptance of CNM relationships extends to their views on parenting. To explore emerging adults' perspectives on CNM-parenting, we conducted a mixed-method study with a diverse sample of 107 US-American college students. Each participant read four relationship-vignettes (monogamy, CNM-polyamory, CNM-open relationship, CNM-swinging) in randomized order, provided ratings for the perceived parenting capabilities of the described partners and described reasons for those ratings in short essays. On average, participants perceived the monogamous partners as more capable of raising children than the CNM partners. LGBTQ + participants perceived CNM-parents, especially polyamorous and swinging partners, as more capable for parenthood than did heterosexual participants. There were no significant differences in response patterns between males and females. In their essays, participants discussed their views on how the different relationship structures might affect parenting and what they perceived as indicators and conditions for successful parenting. The results of this study were interpreted relative to life-course perspectives of identity development, and relative to politico-economic perspectives on parental investment and sexual strategy theories. Implications are derived for sexuality education, research, and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article attempts to present emerging adulthood, i.e. experiences during the transition from adolescence to the full adult status from the perspective of the social role theory. The empirical basis is a survey research carried out on a random, nationwide sample of people aged 18-29 (n=303), stratified by gender and size of their town of residence. The aim of the analysis is to answer questions about identification with roles, and change in the multiplicity of roles depending on age, gender, and self-identification with the status of an adult. The results indicate that in the period of emerging adulthood, the professional role becomes particularly important, and the set of roles related to the status of an adult overshadows the roles typical of adolescence. In addition, it has been shown that women identify with more roles than men and more often include the parental role and the role of wife/partner in the set of roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During transition to adulthood and transfer to adult healthcare, emerging adults with chronic conditions are at risk of deteriorating disease control, well-being, and acute, as well as long-term complications. Despite an increasing call for person-centred healthcare services attuned to young peoples' needs, few validated instruments exist pinpointing adolescents' and emerging adults' experiences of preparation for transition and transfer. Thus, the overarching purpose of this study was to develop a person-centred, clinically applicable instrument (Transitional care EXPeriences Questionnaire, TEXP-Q) adjustable to different chronic conditions, although the focus in the present study was Type 1 Diabetes. The specific aim was, therefore, to describe the development and psychometric evaluation of TEXP-Q in emerging adults with Type 1 Diabetes. Methods: Initial development of the TEXP-Q was inspired by existing research. Items were formulated in accordance with consensus recommendations for developing patient-reported measures, and extra consideration was taken to ensure person-centredness. Psychometric evaluation comprised two phases: In phase I, data from cognitive interviews, content validity indexing, and judgement of an expert panel provided information on face and content validity. In phase II, data from a cross-sectional study conducted at eight adult diabetes outpatient clinics in Sweden (n = 163) allowed for explorative factor analysis (EFA), as well as calculation of content validity, reliability and responsiveness. Results: Combining results from cognitive interviews, content validity index values and expert panel judgement, a test version of TEXP-Q was developed, the content and face validity of which were considered good. This version consisted of 17 items answered on a five-point Likert scale, and three open-ended questions answered in free text. During EFA, four items were removed, and a three-factor solution was recognised as most adequate, accounting for 60% cumulative variance and one single cross-loading. After EFA, the instrument comprised 13 questions, divided into three latent factors. Cronbach's alpha for the complete instrument was 0.866, which indicates good internal consistency. Crohnbach's alpha approximated to 0.8 for all factors respectively. Conclusion: TEXP-Q is a newly developed, person-centred instrument which has proven to be both valid and reliable when applied to youths with T1D. The questionnaire fills a need for instruments focusing on emerging adults' experiences of preparation for transition and transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While casual sexual relationships (CSREs) have become common among emerging adults, it is unknown whether these affect future relationships. Guided by a developmental perspective, the current study questions whether engagement in CSREs might be associated with the quality of future relationships by serving as a model of instability. Data were collected from 110 Israeli emerging adults at ages 23, 25, and 28. Contrary to our expectations, the level of engagement in CSREs at age 23 was associated only with a lower capacity to resolve problems and a higher tendency to downplay disagreements at age 28. However, an increase in the level of engagement in CSREs over the 5 years was associated with future negative relationship outcomes, greater avoidant romantic attachment, a tendency to conceal from one's partner, and a lower sense of certainty and capacity to manage disagreements. Conceptually, findings suggest that when engagement in casual sex is repeated and increases over time, it might become a more stable pattern of behavior and have an adverse effect on future competence in handling a romantic relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite growing concerns about the impact of social media use on the developing brain and associated mental health impacts, whether susceptibility to the benefits and harms of social media use changes across adolescence and young adulthood has yet to be empirically tested. Method: Using a cross‐sectional sample of participants aged 14–22 years (N = 254), we examined (a) linear and non‐linear age‐related changes in social media use and online social support and (b) age‐related differences in the effects of social media use and online social support on depressive symptoms. Results: We found age differences in social media use, but not online social support, such that social media use increased across adolescence and peaked around age 20, followed by stable use into young adulthood. Age moderated the effect of online social support, but not overall social media use, on depressive symptoms, such that online social support was negatively associated with depressive symptoms for adolescents (age < 16.98), but the opposite pattern emerged for young adults (age > 19.04). Conclusions: Results suggest overall developmental changes in social media use and that adolescents may be more susceptible than emerging adults to the beneficial effects of positive online interactions on mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many youth in foster care endure traumatic experiences (TE) that can lead to lasting negative outcomes. However, the identification of strengths may mitigate the impact of TE. Methods: This study examines the frequency and distribution of identified strengths; whether strengths moderate the association between TE and various outcomes; and whether certain strengths have a larger moderation effect on the association between TE and life domain functioning. Administrative and clinical data, including the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment, were examined for 3324 transition age youth and emerging adults in out‐of‐home foster care in the United States. Participants were males and females between 14.5 and 21 years old. Pearson's chi‐square tests of association were conducted to determine whether identification of strengths varied significantly by sex or race/ethnicity. Negative binomial regressions were used to determine whether strengths modified the association between TE and needs domains. Results: Of 11 measured strengths, 56% of youth had 7 or more strengths identified as centerpiece strengths, and 20% had all 11. No significant differences in identification of strengths were found across sex or race/ethnicity. All strengths significantly moderated the association of TE and outcomes across CANS domains tested. While cumulative strengths had the largest overall moderation effects, identification of education setting, coping and savoring skills, and interpersonal strengths as centerpiece strengths had the largest moderation effect among specific strengths. Conclusions: Findings suggest assessing, identifying, and bolstering strengths may help to promote well‐being after trauma exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that young adult women were among those more susceptible to mental health declines in the initial months of COVID-19. Unfortunately, longitudinal data examining mental health before and after the pandemic's onset are extremely limited. In a sample of 240 women ages 18–29 who were surveyed online first in November-December 2019 and then again between May and July 2020, this study aimed to examine how major life changes associated with the pandemic (i.e. loss of income, loss of employment, change in relationship status, and change in living arrangement) impacted mental health (i.e. depression, anxiety, stress). Multivariate regression analyses were conducted on three models predicting stress, anxiety, and depression from the four life changes, controlling for the effects of mental health before the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that a change in living arrangement was uniformly associated with increased mental health problems among women who also experienced a decrease in income. Likewise, loss of income was uniformly related to increased mental health problems among women who also experienced a change in living arrangement. In contrast, job loss was associated with a decrease in stress, and changes in relationship status were not associated with mental health outcomes. These findings highlight the potential for COVID-19 to produce co-occurring and synergistic stressors. Meanwhile, the impact of job loss on mental health may have been attenuated by enhanced unemployment benefits. Mental health interventions that aim to support young women as the pandemic abates should be tailored to address the impact of multiple psychosocial stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Findings since 2000 about the association between the frequency of religious service attendance (formal religiosity) and sexual risk taking in adolescents and emerging adults were explored. A systematic literature search (April 2020) focused on articles with data on religiosity and age at sexual debut, number of sexual partners, condom use at most recent sexual intercourse, and consistent condom use. A total of 27 studies with 37,430 participants (M age = 18.4, range: 12–25, 43.5% male) were included. In random-effects meta-analysis, the link between formal religiosity and sexual risk taking was significant only for age at sexual debut (r = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.13) and the number of sexual partners (r = −0.14, 95% CI = −0.19, −0.09). Weak associations between the constructs of interest indicate that formal religiosity is not sufficient to protect young people's sexual health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overt and covert conflict across two parental dyads (biological mother and biological father, biological mother and stepfather) in the same family were examined in relation to emerging adults' mental health (i.e., perceived stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety) and aggression (i.e., relational aggression, verbal hostility). In this study, the results from dominance analyses and relative weight analyses revealed the most important interparental conflict variable related to males' mental health and aggression was conflict between biological mothers and stepfathers (particularly covert). For females, conflict between biological parents (especially covert) was most important to mental health, while conflict between mothers and stepfathers was more strongly related to females' aggression (particularly overt for verbal hostility and covert for relational aggression). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Virtual interviewing in qualitative research may promote inclusion, diversify samples, and maximize participation, but there is limited research regarding methodological best practices for marginalized study populations. Emerging adult (ages 18–29) and young adult (through age 40) mothers have ongoing stressors and competing responsibilities that may preclude participation with in‐person interviews. The purpose of this article is to describe the processes and experiences of virtual interviewing among young adult mothers living in under‐resourced communities, based on their responses to specific interview questions. Design and Sample: As part of an explanatory sequential mixed methods study, qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of young adult mothers who had previously participated in randomized controlled trials testing an intensive early home visiting intervention. Thirty‐one participants (M = 29.7 years, SD = 2.5) who identified as Black (39%), Hispanic (55%), and White (7%), were interviewed using Zoom. Results: The overarching theme was Zoom: Appreciating the New Norm. Identified categories were Practical Benefits of Virtual Interviewing, Sharing Stories, and Drawbacks of Virtual Interviewing. Conclusion: Findings support virtual interviewing as a feasible and potentially ideal method for qualitative studies with emerging/young adults. Further research to examine this approach with other marginalized populations may lead to more inclusive representation in qualitative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High rates of substance misuse during emerging adulthood (~17-25 years of age, also referred to as young adulthood) require developmentally appropriate clinical programs. This article outlines: 1) the development of an evidence-informed young adult outpatient substance use program that takes a biopsychosocial patient-centred approach to care; 2) a quality improvement process and protocol; and 3) the patient characteristics of an initial cohort. Literature reviews, program reviews, environmental scans, and consultations with interested parties (including individuals with lived expertise) were used to develop the program. A 12-week measurement-based care program was developed comprising: 1) individual measurement-based care and motivational enhancement therapy sessions; 2) group programming focused on cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation; 3) clinical consultations for diagnostic clarification and/or medication review; and 4) an independent Community Reinforcement Approach Family Training (CRAFT) group for loved ones. A measurement system was concurrently created to collect clinical and program evaluation data at six time points. In the first 21 months of the program, 152 young adults enrolled in the program (mean age = 21 years old, 47% female gender) primarily reporting treatment targets of cannabis (68%) and alcohol (63%) and almost all presenting with co-occurring mental health concerns (95%). The initial cohort who completed the program showed symptom improvements. Collectively, the program demonstrates the feasibility of developing an evidence-informed young adult substance use program using measurement-based care, but also the need for flexibility and ongoing monitoring to meet local needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging adults with diabetes, particularly in underserved communities, represent a growing but less studied population whose needs may differ from older adults. This study investigated perspectives of underserved emerging adults regarding diabetes self-management influences and provider interactions. Focus groups and interviews with emerging adults in a safety-net health care setting were conducted to identify perspectives regarding self-management influences and patient-provider interactions. Diabetes was perceived as a psychological burden complicated by busy lifestyles and competing responsibilities. Lack of resources, especially financial barriers, also limited self-management. Participants often perceived diabetes visits as standardized encounters providing access to diabetes supplies but desired additional guidance appropriate to their needs and life-stage. Participants valued encouragement and positive ongoing provider relationships for tailored informational and emotional support and support from family and peers. Providers and health care systems adapting to provide or facilitate this support will be better able to optimize diabetes management at and between visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examine the prevalence of concurrent cannabis/THC vaping among those transitioning from high school to college who had ever used e-cigarettes and identify sociodemographic and personal factors associated with risk of cannabis/THC vaping among students in this population. Incoming undergraduate students reporting ever using e-cigarettes (N = 529) attending a public university in the southeastern United States. Cross-sectional survey administered November 2018. Comparisons of sociodemographic and personal characteristics between those who had vaped cannabis/THC and those who had not were done using chi-square test of association, or Fisher's exact test or the two-sample t-test. Predictors of cannabis/THC vaping status were determined using logistic regression. Slightly more than a quarter had ever vaped cannabis/THC (26%). Of those who had ever vaped with cannabis/THC, most said they used cannabis/THC "sometimes" when they vaped (78%). The significant predictors of cannabis/THC vaping status included membership or planned membership in a fraternity or sorority, ever use of alcohol, level of stress, number of five closest friends who currently use marijuana, and whether family member(s) use marijuana. Collaborative tailored prevention and treatment efforts are needed on college campuses to curb vaping/use of cannabis and resulting polysubstance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Although the co‐occurrence of cannabis and depression is well established, less is known about the temporal sequence of cannabis use and depression. The present study had three main aims: to test a symptom‐driven pathway in which depression may drive increases in cannabis use, to test a substance‐induced pathway in which cannabis use may drive increases in depression and to assess a shared vulnerability model assessing associations between individuals who have (and have not) experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Design: Data are from an ongoing, longitudinal, cohort study (n = 2234). Data were set up in an accelerated longitudinal design from age 17 to 24 years. Setting: Initial sample was recruited from Southern California, USA. The majority of participants still live in Southern California. Participants: On average, participants were aged 18 years at wave 8, with more than half identifying as female (54.3%; n = 1350). Most participants identified as Hispanic (1127; 45.4%), followed by non‐Hispanic white (510; 20.5%), Asian (503; 20.2%), multi‐racial/other (284; 11.4%) and non‐Hispanic black (60; 2.2%). Measurements Primary outcomes were past‐month days of cannabis use and depression symptoms [patient health questionnaire (PHQ)‐8]. The Adverse Childhood Experiences scale was used as our main grouping measure. Findings In the full sample, we showed that prior levels of depression symptoms were associated with a decrease in cannabis use [opposite to the proposed symptom driven model; B = −0.33 (−0.58, −0.09)]. Dynamic coupling parameters noted individuals who evidenced greater increases in cannabis use between two prior ages reported greater increases in depressive symptoms between subsequent ages [support for a substance‐induced pathway; B = 0.53 (0.18, 0.89)]. Similar to the overall sample, for those who had not experienced ACEs, as cannabis use increased we saw a steady increase in depression [support for a substance induced pathway; B = 0.14 (0.04, 0.29)]. However, for those who experienced ACEs, as cannabis use increased we saw a consistent decrease in depression [opposite to the proposed substance‐induced pathway; B = −0.18 (−0.28, −0.08)]. Conclusion: There is mixed support for both symptom‐driven and substance‐induced pathways between cannabis use and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study tested the mediating role of maladaptive emotion regulation and trust in parents between parent–child conflict and emerging adults' depressive symptoms. A total of 196 Chinese emerging adults at 18–25 years of age (M = 20.02; SD = 2.67; 43.88% women) completed an online self-reported questionnaire on parent–child conflict, trust in parents, emotion regulation, and depressive symptoms. Path analyses were conducted to analyze the cross-sectional data. Findings suggested that parent–child conflict was associated with greater maladaptive emotion regulation and depressive symptoms. Mother–child conflict was associated with emerging adults' lower trust in mothers. Also, trust in fathers was associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Regardless of the parents' gender, maladaptive emotion regulation and trust did not mediate the relation between parent–child conflict and depressive symptoms. Despite the null findings of the mediation processes, the study advanced our knowledge about the role of family processes in emerging adults' depressive symptoms, particularly in the Chinese context. The findings informed practitioners and researchers aiming to foster positive family functioning and reduce depressive symptoms among emerging adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective emotion regulation (ER) strategies are linked with healthy psychosocial functioning, and parenting behaviours and parents' own ER have been linked to the development of their children's own ER. The present study examined relations between emerging adults' perceived parenting dimensions (warmth, psychological control, and behavioural control), their caregivers' self-reported parenting dimensions, and emerging adults' ER. We also examined how caregivers' ER relates to their emerging adult children's ER. Two dimensions of ER (cognitive reappraisal and emotional suppression) were examined. Participants included 466 emerging adults, and a subsample of 102 emerging adult-primary caregiver dyads, and 51 emerging adult-secondary caregiver dyads. Findings from analyses on emerging adults suggest that only perceived main and secondary caregivers' warmth influenced their use of cognitive reappraisal (CR). In contrast, caregivers' reported parenting did not influence emerging adults' emotion suppression (ES) use. In addition, caregivers' reported use of CR influenced emerging adults' own use of CR, but caregivers' use of ES did not. These findings suggest that it is the perception of parenting rather than what caregivers report doing that influences emerging adults' ER. Limitations and directions for future research are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgender and gender expansive-emerging adults experience multiple forms of gender minority stress, which affect their mental health and wellbeing. Belongingness has been identified as a factor that fosters resilience among this population, with potential protective effects. Few studies have explored the role of thwarted belongingness and its potential moderating effect on the relation between gender minority stress and mental health. This study recruited a sample of 93 transgender and gender expansive emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 21 to examine whether thwarted belongingness significantly moderates the relation between gender minority stressors and mental health symptoms. We found evidence that thwarted belongingness moderates the relation between social rejection and depressive symptoms and the interaction effect between thwarted belongingness and victimisation was significantly associated with psychological stress. For these associations, high levels of thwarted belongingness amplified the positive relation between gender minority stress and mental health symptoms. At low levels of thwarted belongingness, the relation between rejection and depression was negative and the association between victimisation and psychological stress was no longer statistically significant. Findings suggest factors that minimise or interrupt thwarted belongingness among transgender and gender-expensive emerging adults may be points of intervention to improve mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loneliness research has focused primarily on older adult populations. There is limited research on how loneliness and social support impact young people's mental health and mental health services use. This article reports an assessment of whether loneliness and social support are associated with mental health services use and mental health symptoms (psychological distress and suicidal ideation) among emerging adults. A subsample of emerging adults ages 18 to 29 (N = 307) was drawn from the 2017 Survey of Police-Public Encounters, a cross-sectional, general population survey administered to residents of New York City and Baltimore. Ordinary least squares and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to model associations between loneliness and mental health symptoms and services use outcomes. Emerging adults with higher levels of loneliness reported higher levels of distress and suicidal ideation. Having more social support, experiencing higher levels of distress, and suicidal ideation were associated with increased odds for using services. First-generation American emerging adults and Black emerging adults were less likely to use services than their U.S.-born and non-Black counterparts. The significant impact of loneliness on mental health symptoms and the effect of social support on service use highlight the importance of developing interventions to prevent and reduce loneliness over the life course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a dearth of research that examines COVID‐19‐related stress among multiply marginalised individuals who are in the developmental phase of emerging adulthood. This qualitative study investigated how the intersection of emerging adulthood, sexual and gender minority (SGM) identity, and migrant status were reflected in the experiences of SGM individuals (n = 37; ages 20–25 years old) who migrated to various parts of the United States in the last 5 years. Data were collected online using semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that participants' developmental processes (e.g., identity exploration, building financial independence) were shaped by pandemic‐related stressors, especially unemployment and financial instability. Participants who were able to maintain employment did so but at the risk of their health and safety. Findings also showed that participants experienced feelings of anxiety and depression due to social isolation, but online communication played an important role in combatting loneliness. Findings highlight the potential for trauma‐informed and intersectional approaches to practice with SGM emerging adult migrants and expanded health services and temporary entitlement programs to mitigate the pandemic's effects on this population's psychosocial and financial well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly increased depression rates, particularly in emerging adults. The aim of this study was to examine longitudinal changes in depression risk before and during COVID-19 in a cohort of emerging adults in the U.S. and to determine whether prior drinking or sleep habits could predict the severity of depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Methods: Participants were 525 emerging adults from the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA), a five-site community sample including moderate-to-heavy drinkers. Poisson mixed-effect models evaluated changes in the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) from before to during COVID-19, also testing for sex and age interactions. Additional analyses examined whether alcohol use frequency or sleep duration measured in the last pre-COVID assessment predicted pandemic-related increase in depressive symptoms. Results: The prevalence of risk for clinical depression tripled due to a substantial and sustained increase in depressive symptoms during COVID-19 relative to pre-COVID years. Effects were strongest for younger women. Frequent alcohol use and short sleep duration during the closest pre-COVID visit predicted a greater increase in COVID-19 depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The sharp increase in depression risk among emerging adults heralds a public health crisis with alarming implications for their social and emotional functioning as this generation matures. In addition to the heightened risk for younger women, the role of alcohol use and sleep behavior should be tracked through preventive care aiming to mitigate this looming mental health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared emerging adults with older adults who were admitted to the Drug Treatment Court (DTC) in a large Midwestern county. Emerging adults were more likely to be lower risk and to be opioid/heroin users. Compared to older adults, emerging adults were more likely to have increased violations in the DTC program. Emerging adults compared to older adults were more likely to be terminated than to graduate with no recidivism (odds ratio 1.83), and more likely to recidivate after they graduated (odds ratio 2.16). Elevated risks for program termination and recidivism for emerging adults, despite a reduced risk profile at entry, underscore the need for program modifications (such as peer support) that specifically target this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined illicit drug use and substance abuse disorders among Hispanic emerging adults using a two time-point study. Hypothesized predictors included concurrent use of different types of substances in adolescence and early adulthood (illicit drug use, binge alcohol use, and cigarette-smoking), along with the socialization context (family, peer, school, and other contextual factors) in adolescence. Overall, the findings showed that emerging adults who engaged in binge use of alcohol reported higher levels of illicit drug use and substance abuse disorders. Smoking cigarettes was associated with higher levels of illicit drug use in emerging adulthood, but not substance use disorders. Illicit drug use and binge alcohol use in adolescence were linked to higher levels of illicit drug use in emerging adulthood. Further, respondents who engaged in higher levels of illicit drug use, binge drinking, and smoking in adolescence were more likely to report higher levels of substance use disorders in early adulthood, signaling the importance of assessing adolescent drug use as a critical period for curbing long-term substance use-related impairment. Sibling alcohol use, college aspirations, and perceived discrimination during adolescence were also predictive of higher levels of substance use disorders in early adulthood. Higher academic achievement in adolescence, however, was associated with lower levels of illicit drug use in emerging adulthood. Lastly, males reported higher levels of illicit drug use and substance abuse disorders than females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing research on perceived adulthood has shown that perceived adults (PAs) and perceived emerging adults (PEAs) differ on multiple indices of psychosocial well-being. However, it is not known whether PAs and PEAs differ on their friendships and whether friendship experiences relate to subjective well-being (SWB) similarly in the two groups. The current study addressed these issues in a large sample of college students (n = 1,690). Results revealed that PAs and PEAs did not differ from each other on friendship experiences. However, the associations of the friendship variables with SWB were stronger among PAs when compared to PEAs. Also, while the friendship experiences and behaviors accounted for 14% of the variance in SWB in the overall sample, they explained 26% of the variance among PAs and 12% among PEAs. Discussion focuses on why PAs reap more benefits from their friendships compared to PEAs, and suggestions for future research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]